Here's Why Kohli Should Declare The Innings For Less Than 500 Runs Even If It Means Conceding A Lead

The ongoing test match in Rajkot is turning out to be a batsman’s wet dream and no doubt that after English batsmen, the Indian batsmen too are milking it out in the middle. This, however, is not so great news for those fans who predicted a 5-0 result, especially considering that England had lost the last test match in Bangladesh against Bangladesh.

But can Virat Kohli still force a result in the match? For someone whose mantra in the test matches has been of attacking cricket and nothing else, it does seem like a possibility. Let’s consider what could happen if Virat Kohli decides to take a gamble and play it like he means it. If India are to have any chance of winning the test match, Kohli needs to make England believe that they too have a chance.

For the scheme to work, however, Kohli will have to declare the innings before the total reaches 500. It’ll send out a signal to the England team that India is here to win the match and will not let the game drift away to a dull draw. It will also give the Indian bowlers especially the spinners a chance tomorrow after lunch to test the England batting lineup on a deteriorating pitch.

The chances of it happening are minimal. The conditions for spinners are ripe but to scalp 10 wickets cheaply will need a lot of hard work, especially because the England batting line-up goes deep. But what Virat Kohli and co need to assess is if it’s worth it to force a result in the first test of a five test series? And if they do decide to go that way, giving away a lead of say 40 runs, till when do they pursue their plans and go for it if England counterattacks.

Whatever be the case, Kohli now needs to put his money where his mouth is and not be afraid of chasing 200 in the last two sessions of the final day at Rajkot, because in the end, he will be remembered for the risks he took even if they don’t bring any gains eventually.